Noir Kioko had only ever seen one human before his undercover work brought him to the diner at the Luna Terminal, and that was at a distance. Humans are rare, most of them disappear without a trace, and he hopes hanging around the restaurant will give him a lead on the smuggling ring he’s investigating. There was no way he could’ve known the human would turn out to be his mate, and no way he can let it show without putting his mate in danger and possibly jeopardising his mission.<br><br>Max Welch is the proud owner of the only restaurant within a light year’s distance. He left Earth four years ago to create a better life for himself, but he hadn’t considered the possibility of scary alien pirates making his restaurant their favourite hangout spot. As a measly human there isn’t much he can do about it, but as one of the pirates starts coming by almost every day he has to come up with something before he loses all his customers. That the giant cat man is rather nice to look at changes nothing.<br><br>When rumours of another human arriving at the space station start to circulate, Noir's species trafficking infiltrate and observe only mission may need a revamp. But will Noir be able to protect his mate and another one of his rare species?

It Doesn't Translate

“Nope, no human. Humans are...invaluable. No human would travel without protection; too many would be willing to sweep in and take advantage... Such soft skin, Max.” He raised his hand to touch Max’s face, but Max moved away, gripping the spatula in a white-knuckled grip.


“No one knew he was travelling.” At least Max didn’t think so.


Bair laughed, a laugh that melted into a chuckle only to end in smug silence. His heated eyes slid over Max’s face until it landed on his mouth. “Don’t be naive, Max. Noir knew he was coming. He was here when you took the call, was he not?” The words bled into a growl and then Bair was right in front of him. The speed shocked Max. He hadn’t believed him capable of moving so fast. Quam was right there; hand raised ready to intervene.


“Stay back, Reptoid.” Bair’s hand covered Max throat, close enough for him to feel the heat but still far enough away to spare him the poisonous burn. “How long do you think it takes before he suffocates if I touch him?”


Chapter 23